We have a great beginner class going in Steiner Ranch! We started with 6 weeks but have now decided to add 2 more to be able to meet for 8 weeks. There are 4 true beginners and 4 who have had some experience with other mediums. Drawing is not a requirement in our 3 hour sessions although it is a necessity when moving on. I am providing line drawings to be transferred onto watercolor paper or they can provide a drawing of their own.
Our goals are to get familiar with paper, brushes, transparent and staining colors and, of course, techniques. We begin with a "distraction warm up" to get everyone in the zone. I usually do a small demo of an area being covered by the subject matter at hand ( sky, clouds, trees, reflected still water) and then they are off to work at their own discoveries at their own pace. In this short time, the personalities of each painter are emerging and can be seen in their work. A brief walk around critique is done in the last 15 minutes. We are about to start a long term project with the subject matter of their choice; any size. Note cards will be made from a selected painting at the end.
As I knew it would be, I am getting a refresher course by teaching this class and learning, too. In encouraging them to start with the basics, I'm getting back top some basics in my own painting. We have used masking, blotting, sponging and some knife scratching. Soon we will splatter and maybe pour. Just a taste of the fun stuff...Thanks to Mary we know that soaping a brush or sponge before dipping it into masking fluid will help protect the brush or sponge and make it easier to remove that sticky residue later. Here are some examples of their work:
Meanwhile, they are following me in my efforts to capture a wonderful boy and his dog in a 22"x30" painting with a leafy Fall background. Again, I have used various techniques such as sponging, scratching and masking. My starting point is typically the largest area so the stunning background foliage will simple be a background for this beautiful little guy and his Golden Retriever.
Last week we practiced reflectivity in still water and this week we will try active water and splashing. Stay tuned ....
Our goals are to get familiar with paper, brushes, transparent and staining colors and, of course, techniques. We begin with a "distraction warm up" to get everyone in the zone. I usually do a small demo of an area being covered by the subject matter at hand ( sky, clouds, trees, reflected still water) and then they are off to work at their own discoveries at their own pace. In this short time, the personalities of each painter are emerging and can be seen in their work. A brief walk around critique is done in the last 15 minutes. We are about to start a long term project with the subject matter of their choice; any size. Note cards will be made from a selected painting at the end.
As I knew it would be, I am getting a refresher course by teaching this class and learning, too. In encouraging them to start with the basics, I'm getting back top some basics in my own painting. We have used masking, blotting, sponging and some knife scratching. Soon we will splatter and maybe pour. Just a taste of the fun stuff...Thanks to Mary we know that soaping a brush or sponge before dipping it into masking fluid will help protect the brush or sponge and make it easier to remove that sticky residue later. Here are some examples of their work:
Meanwhile, they are following me in my efforts to capture a wonderful boy and his dog in a 22"x30" painting with a leafy Fall background. Again, I have used various techniques such as sponging, scratching and masking. My starting point is typically the largest area so the stunning background foliage will simple be a background for this beautiful little guy and his Golden Retriever.
Last week we practiced reflectivity in still water and this week we will try active water and splashing. Stay tuned ....
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